In the annals of competitive gaming, few names resonate with the weight and reverence of Lee Sang-hyeok, known globally by his in-game handle, Faker. Widely regarded as the greatest League of Legends (LoL) player of all time, his career is synonymous with unparalleled skill, sustained dominance, and a quiet humility that belies his status as a global icon.
Often referred to as the “Michael Jordan of esports” or the “Unkillable Demon King,” Faker’s journey from a Seoul high school student to a five-time World Champion and part-owner of the legendary T1 organization is a defining narrative of the esports era. Born on May 7, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea, this 28-year-old (as of 2025) mid-laner has not only collected more trophies than any other player but has fundamentally shaped the game he plays and inspired millions worldwide.
Biography
Fun Facts
International Recognition
- He used to be notoriously bad at acting — this was obvious during Summer Lesson videos with RapidStar and Faker. Even coach Kim Jung-gyun couldn’t hold back his laughter. In 2019, he filmed a collaboration video for SK Telecom’s YouTube channel. Thanks to his accumulated broadcasting experience over the years, his acting had become much more natural.
- He and Deft both attended Mapo High School. However, during their school days, they did not know each other at all. Neither Faker nor Deft graduated; they both attended only their first year of high school before dropping out to become professional gamers.
- Faker was the first League of Legends professional player to surpass $1 million in career prize winnings. Excluding Dota 2 players, he was once ranked number one worldwide.
- According to an official Riot Games documentary (“Faker & Bjergsen: History”) and other sources, Faker was raised by his grandmother and lived with his father’s side of the family, not with his mother.
- There’s a famous GIF among Korean communities showing “Faker’s female fans,” which surfaces whenever people ask whether Faker is popular with women.
- He has a younger brother two years his junior.
- During the final team fight of Game 2 of the Season 3 World Championship finals, when Bengi stole what could have been Piglet’s first-ever pentakill at Worlds, Faker was caught laughing uncontrollably. It was a rare, candid moment, as Faker usually restrains his emotions, especially after becoming the team’s captain in 2020.
- Unlike many other pro players who have embarrassing pasts, Faker’s history is remarkably clean. Even when Googling his commonly used IDs, only images of an innocent and kind high schooler appear.
- One of his unique hobbies is caring for potted plants to relieve stress. However, due to a mistranslation of “pot” (which can also mean marijuana in slang), some foreign fans joked that “SKT players relieve stress by smoking weed.”
- When it comes to food preferences, he prefers his sweet and sour pork with sauce poured over it (부먹) and favors Pepsi over Coke. He dislikes mint chocolate and Hawaiian pizza.
- Faker also has quirky eating habits — he once famously ate sashimi with chocolate milk, making his taste buds, humor, and aesthetics all seem rather eccentric.
- Faker was the first customer to sign up for the SKT iPhone 5C service.
- He seems completely unaware of cameras; during Worlds, he was once caught picking his nose, and during LCK matches, he was often caught yawning before games.
- He popularized the meme “I am bbak bbak (빡빡이다)” in LoL-related communities.
- Although he’s a year younger than former teammate Impact, they call each other by name like friends rather than using honorifics.
- Despite his quiet and shy image, Faker actually has a lot of friends and is quite sociable, according to Peanut. He even chats with his real-life friends during personal streams. He has maintained friendships with former teammates like Untara and Sky even after they left the team.
- Faker is well-known for enabling “mouse precision enhancement,” a setting most pro players typically disable.
- On LOL Gallery and other communities, Faker is also humorously called “Tteigwi” (a playful distortion of “Faker” using alternate Korean letters). Until his 2017 Worlds runner-up finish, Faker’s detractors (“Fakka”) commonly used this nickname and another calling him a “budget Rookie.”
- He has a secondary account called Hide on bush, which he uses for solo queue. At some point, it became more common for him to use Hide on bush rather than his main account, SKT T1 Faker. Famously, he once climbed to Challenger rank with only two rune pages on this account.
- On T1’s Twitter, a photo was posted along with the caption “rabbit riven faker.” This image, nicknamed the “Fabbity” photo (a combination of Faker + Tobbuni), has simultaneously shocked and delighted League of Legends fans around the world, including those in Korea.
- He is also known to resemble Go In-kyu, a former professional StarCraft player and current StarCraft II commentator.
Career
Entering the Arena: Discovery and Debut
Faker’s entry into the professional League of Legends scene was as swift as it was impactful. Playing under the alias “GoJeonPa” (고전파, meaning “classical wave” or referring to old classics) on the Korean server, he quickly ascended the ranks, becoming known for his dominant and often unconventional play. His normal game Elo rating became so high that excessive queue times inadvertently pushed him towards ranked play, a move that proved crucial for his visibility. By late 2012 and early 2013, he had reached the pinnacle of the Korean solo queue ladder, claiming the number one spot and attracting significant attention within the nascent esports community.
While many speculated about the identity of this dominant force – perhaps a smurf account of an established pro or a foreign player – the reality was a 17-year-old high school student playing primarily for enjoyment. Despite initially joining an amateur team with other high-ranked players like ‘Bengi’ and ‘Ssumday’, this venture was short-lived.
The decisive moment came when Kim “kkOma” Jeong-gyun, then a coach for the established SK Telecom T1 organization, recognized GoJeonPa’s extraordinary potential. At a time when many organizations were forming secondary or “sister” teams, kkOma scouted the young prodigy. This recruitment was more than just acquiring a skilled player; it represented kkOma’s foresight in identifying a generational talent capable of anchoring a future dynasty. Faker accepted the offer, joining SK Telecom T1’s second team (later known as SKT T1 K) and adopting his now-iconic in-game name, “Faker”.
His professional debut on April 6, 2013, was nothing short of spectacular. In a televised OGN Champions Korea match, Faker secured a stunning solo kill against Kang “Ambition” Chan-yong, one of Korea’s most respected and established mid-laners at the time. This kill, achieved under Ambition’s own turret, was an immediate declaration of his arrival and skill. He continued to impress throughout the Spring 2013 tournament, contributing significantly to his team’s kills and showcasing remarkable mechanical prowess. His early dominance was further solidified during the OGN Champions Summer 2013 finals against rivals KT Rolster Bullets. In a legendary sequence, Faker, playing Zed against Yoo “Ryu” Sang-wook’s Zed, executed a breathtaking outplay under extreme pressure, securing a kill that is still considered one of the most iconic moments in LoL esports history.
Building a Dynasty: T1’s Reign (2013-2017, 2023-Present)
Faker’s debut marked the beginning of an era of unprecedented dominance for both himself and the SK Telecom T1 (later T1) organization. His career is defined not only by individual brilliance but by an astonishing collection of championship titles, establishing multiple dynasties over more than a decade.
His trophy cabinet boasts a record 10 domestic titles in Korea’s premier league, the LCK (formerly OGN Champions). This reign includes victories in Summer 2013, Winter 2013-14, Spring and Summer 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2022, and Spring 2023.
On the international stage, Faker’s success is equally unparalleled. He has lifted the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) trophy twice, in 2016 and 2017, after a runner-up finish in the inaugural 2015 event. Most notably, he holds the record for the most League of Legends World Championship titles, having won the Summoner’s Cup an incredible five times: in his rookie year (2013), back-to-back in 2015 and 2016, and again back-to-back in 2023 and 2024. He also secured runner-up finishes at Worlds in 2017 and 2022. His international accolades extend further, including victories at IEM Katowice in 2016, Rift Rivals in 2019, and the All-Star Paris event in 2014.
Perhaps as remarkable as his trophy count is Faker’s unwavering loyalty to one organization. In the highly volatile esports ecosystem where player transfers are commonplace, Faker has spent his entire career, spanning over 11 years, with T1. This commitment persisted despite reportedly enormous financial offers from Chinese teams, particularly during the 2015 offseason. This enduring relationship suggests a bond built on more than just contractual obligations, possibly reflecting a belief in T1’s structure, shared goals, or a strategic decision that T1 provided the optimal environment for sustained success. This unique bond was further solidified in February 2020 when Faker re-signed with T1 not just as a player, but also as a part-owner of T1 Entertainment & Sports, signaling a long-term commitment extending beyond his playing days. His current contract runs until the end of the 2025 season.
The Faker Effect: Playstyle and Impact
Faker’s influence on League of Legends extends far beyond his impressive list of titles. His unique playstyle and consistent excellence have profoundly shaped the game’s competitive landscape, particularly the mid-lane role.
He is famously known as the “Unkillable Demon King,” a moniker earned early in his career. This nickname reflects not only his uncanny ability to survive ganks and escape seemingly impossible situations through sheer mechanical skill but also his imposing presence on the Rift – an ultimate challenge opponents had to overcome. His aggressive, mechanically intensive playstyle, especially prominent in his rookie years, redefined expectations for mid-laners.
Faker’s gameplay is characterized by a potent combination of attributes. His mechanical prowess – the precise control over his champion – is legendary. This is complemented by an incredibly deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and interactions, allowing for calculated, high-risk, high-reward plays. He possesses exceptional game sense, often anticipating enemy movements and being in the right place at the right time. Over time, while retaining his mechanical edge, his playstyle evolved. He developed remarkable strategic acumen and innovative macro decision-making, often guiding his team’s overall game plan. His ability to perform under immense pressure in clutch moments remains a defining feature. Teammates and analysts have noted his advanced understanding of the game, suggesting he was years ahead of his peers in strategic thinking early in his career.
His impact on the mid-lane role cannot be overstated. Faker demonstrated the potential for mid-laners to be the central carry and playmaker, capable of dictating the game’s tempo through individual skill and map movements. His success popularized champions like LeBlanc and Zed, influencing the meta globally. Players worldwide studied his gameplay, attempting to emulate his mechanics and strategic approaches.
Central to Faker’s legend is his mastery over a vast pool of champions, adapting his picks to the prevailing meta and team needs. Some champions, however, have become indelibly linked with his name:
- LeBlanc: Faker’s LeBlanc is iconic for its dazzling mechanical outplays, map-wide pressure, and elusive maneuvers. His near-invincibility on the champion during earlier stages of his career was legendary, highlighted by its selection in a critical game during the 2015 MSI finals. The Risen Legend LeBlanc skin was created for his Hall of Legends induction.
- Zed: The 2013 Zed versus Zed outplay against Ryu remains one of the most replayed moments in esports history, a testament to his unparalleled skill on the assassin. Riot Games commemorated his 2013 Worlds victory with an SKT T1 Zed skin.
- Ryze: A signature pick throughout his career, Faker’s Ryze embodies late-game carry potential and relentless map pressure through split-pushing and teleport plays. He received an SKT T1 Ryze skin for the 2015 Worlds win.
- Syndra: Another powerful mage associated with Faker’s dominance, known for high burst damage and pick potential. His 2016 Worlds victory was honored with an SKT T1 Syndra skin.
- Azir: Faker’s command over the Emperor of the Sands is marked by precise soldier control, zoning mastery, and game-changing ultimates (“Shurima Shuffles”).
- Orianna: A consistent presence in his champion pool, Faker utilizes Orianna’s ball for zoning, shielding, and devastating Shockwave combinations in team fights. His 2023 Worlds victory resulted in the T1 Orianna skin.
Hall of Legends: Cementing the Legacy
In 2024, Riot Games launched the League of Legends Hall of Legends, an initiative designed to honor the most impactful and iconic players in the game’s history. Unsurprisingly, Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok was chosen as the inaugural inductee, a testament to his unparalleled achievements and influence on the sport.
The selection process involved an independent voting panel composed of esports industry veterans and experts from various regions. Candidates were evaluated based on criteria including international and regional titles won, overall contributions to the sport, impact on the competitive meta, and individual accolades. Given Faker’s extensive list of accomplishments – five World Championships, two MSI titles, ten LCK titles, and numerous MVP awards – his selection as the first honoree was widely seen as the only logical choice.
Faker’s induction was commemorated through various means, both in and out of the game. An extensive in-game event was launched, featuring an event pass that guided players through milestones of his career. Fans could earn and purchase exclusive cosmetic items themed around Faker, including a unique “Risen Legend LeBlanc” skin, commemorative versions of his previous SKT T1 World Championship skins (Zed, Ryze, Syndra), icons, emotes, a “Hide on Bush” ward, an “Unkillable Demon King” banner, and the title “Broccoli Baron”.
Beyond the digital realm, global partner Mercedes-Benz created a dedicated art piece celebrating Faker’s career, blending reality with the League of Legends aesthetic. He was also gifted a custom Mercedes-AMG SL 63. Furthermore, a special pop-up exhibition titled “Temple of Faker” was held in Seoul from May 29 to June 16, 2024, serving as a museum dedicated to his career, featuring exhibits, photo spots, and even highlighting his book recommendations and philanthropic efforts.
Despite the magnitude of the honor, Faker remained characteristically humble in his response. During the induction ceremony at The Shilla Seoul on June 6, 2024, while expressing gratitude, he emphasized his focus on future improvement rather than dwelling on past achievements. “I think the Hall of Legends is for my past works,” he stated, “The upcoming season has nothing to do with my previous achievements. I want to focus on the future and get ready for the matches in the summer season”.
The establishment of the Hall of Legends, beginning with Faker, marks a significant step by Riot Games to formally recognize and celebrate the legacies of its most influential players. Choosing Faker, the undisputed greatest player in the game’s history, as the first inductee provided immediate credibility and immense excitement for the program. This initiative also creates a new avenue for fan engagement and revenue generation through the sale of commemorative in-game items, directly linking player legacy to tangible content.
Media Figure
Endorsements and Television Appearances
Faker’s global recognition makes him a highly sought-after figure for brand endorsements. He has partnered with major international companies, including Nike, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Red Bull, Samsung, Razer, and Secretlab. These high-profile deals place him alongside top traditional sports athletes in terms of commercial value and appeal.
His marketability is further demonstrated by his crossover into mainstream South Korean television. He has appeared on popular talk and variety shows such as Hello Counselor (in 2018, alongside K-pop group Red Velvet) and You Quiz on the Block, bringing his personality to a broader domestic audience beyond the esports sphere.
Additionally, his career has been the subject of numerous documentaries and features, including an official Hall of Legends documentary by Riot Games and pieces in major publications like ESPN and The Players’ Tribune.
Philanthropy
Despite his substantial earnings, Faker is known for a modest lifestyle and significant charitable contributions. He has consistently donated to various causes throughout his career, often doing so privately. His documented philanthropic activities include:
- Multiple donations to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including a ₩30 million (approx. $25,000 USD) donation in March 2020 and another ₩50 million donation later acknowledged with his name engraved on a ‘wall of fame’ for COVID-19 relief.
- Donating ₩50 million (approx. $35,250 USD) to the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association in April 2025 to aid wildfire recovery efforts in South Korea.
- Donating ₩30 million (approx. $25,000 USD) to the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association in August 2022 for flood relief efforts.
- Regular contributions to the Community Chest of Korea, a non-profit organization.
- Donating his entire stream revenue from October 2018 to the UN Foundation.
- Participating in charity events like Rick Fox’s “Champions for Charity” fundraiser stream in 2019 and meeting children through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
- Supporting UNICEF, including wearing branded apparel during streams.
Streaming
Faker maintains a significant presence on streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube, where he connects directly with fans, shares gameplay, and offers insights into his practice. His Twitch debut in 2017 set viewership records at the time. Streaming serves as a substantial income source through subscriptions, advertisements, and fan donations.
While T1 incorporates mandatory streaming into player schedules, which has occasionally raised concerns about workload, Faker has also utilized his platform for charitable purposes, such as donating his October 2018 stream earnings.
Personal Life
Early Life
Lee Sang-hyeok’s origins trace back to the Gangseo District of Seoul, South Korea, where he was born on May 7, 1996. His upbringing was marked by modesty; raised by his father, Lee Kyung-joon, and his grandparents, Faker has described his family’s financial situation as not particularly well-off. His father characterized him as an introverted child, one who displayed a penchant for self-education and intellectual challenges.
While not initially immersed in computer games, he enjoyed arcade titles like Tekken and King of Fighters. His transition to PC gaming involved titles like Maplestory and Warcraft 3, where he notably played custom maps like Chaos, an early MOBA. This background provided a foundation in strategic gaming concepts.
His formal education took place at Mapo High School in Seoul, an institution he shared with another future LoL star, Kim “Deft” Hyuk-kyu. However, his path diverged from traditional academics. Captivated by League of Legends upon its Korean release in 2011, Faker rapidly honed his skills. Recognizing his prodigious talent and the potential for a professional career, he made the pivotal decision to leave Mapo High School, doing so with his father’s support, to fully dedicate himself to esports.
Net Worth
According to Esports Insider, as of 2025, Faker has an estimated net worth ranging between $10 million and $50 million, positioning him among the wealthiest figures in esports.
- Salary: Faker reportedly earns an annual salary of approximately $6 million from T1
- Equity in T1: He owns a 6% stake in T1 Entertainment & Sports, valued at around $13.2 million.
- Prize Winnings: Since 2013, Faker has accumulated nearly $2 million in tournament earnings.
- Sponsorships and Endorsements: Faker has secured high-profile deals with brands like Nike, Red Bull, Samsung, BMW, and Razer.
- Streaming and Content Creation: His Twitch channel boasts over 3.9 million followers, and his YouTube channel has approximately 2 million subscribers, contributing significantly to his income.
- Real Estate Investments: Faker owns “Faker Tower,” an office building in Seoul’s Gangseo District, which he leases to multiple businesses, providing a steady stream of passive income.
Lifestyle
Interestingly, despite his considerable wealth, Faker is renowned for his frugal lifestyle. Reports suggest he spends remarkably little on personal expenses monthly, partly because T1 provides accommodation and meals. This contrasts sharply with his earning potential and likely stems from his modest upbringing.
Instead of lavish spending, he is known for his philanthropic activities and has made significant investments, most notably purchasing a commercial building in Seoul, dubbed “Faker Tower,” which he rents out. He has also received luxury cars as gifts from sponsors like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
This juxtaposition of immense wealth and personal frugality, combined with savvy investment and philanthropy, reinforces his unique image as a humble superstar focused on long-term stability rather than immediate gratification.
Faker’s Major Championship Victories
| Year | Tournament | Team | Result |
| 2013 | OGN Champions Summer 2013 | SKT T1 K | Champion |
| 2013 | Season 3 World Championship | SKT T1 K | Champion |
| 2014 | OGN Champions Winter 2013-2014 | SKT T1 K | Champion |
| 2014 | All-Star Paris 2014 | SKT T1 K | Champion |
| 2015 | LCK Spring 2015 | SKT T1 | Champion |
| 2015 | LCK Summer 2015 | SKT T1 | Champion |
| 2015 | 2015 World Championship | SKT T1 | Champion |
| 2016 | IEM World Championship (Katowice) | SKT T1 | Champion |
| 2016 | LCK Spring 2016 | SKT T1 | Champion |
| 2016 | Mid-Season Invitational 2016 | SKT T1 | Champion |
| 2016 | 2016 World Championship | SKT T1 | Champion |
| 2017 | LCK Spring 2017 | SKT T1 | Champion |
| 2017 | Mid-Season Invitational 2017 | SKT T1 | Champion |
| 2019 | LCK Spring 2019 | SKT T1 | Champion |
| 2019 | Rift Rivals 2019 (LCK-LPL-LMS-VCS) | SKT T1 | Champion |
| 2019 | LCK Summer 2019 | T1 | Champion |
| 2020 | LCK Spring 2020 | T1 | Champion |
| 2022 | LCK Spring 2022 | T1 | Champion |
| 2023 | 2023 World Championship | T1 | Champion |
| 2024 | Esports World Cup 2024 | T1 | Champion |
| 2024 | 2024 World Championship | T1 | Champion |
